The short answer
Mornington Peninsula Shire Briars Ward by-election: nominations now open
The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is holding a by-election for Briars Ward of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council in October 2026 after Councillor Anthony Marsh resigned following his election to the state seat of Nepean on 2 May 2026. Candidate nominations opened on Monday 17 August 2026 and close at 12 noon on Tuesday 25 August 2026. Prospective candidates must lodge their nomination in person at the election office at 1/16 Dutton Street, Rosebud, by appointment, and pay the $250 nomination fee. Candidates must have completed the Victorian Government's free local government candidate training within two years of Saturday 3 October 2026. Voting in the by-election will be conducted entirely by post: ballot packs will be mailed to all enrolled voters from Monday 14 September 2026, with voting closing on Friday 2 October 2026. The enrolment deadline for the by-election was 4 pm on Wednesday 22 July 2026.
This guide explains the federal position first. State, territory and local elections can use different rules, dates and ballot systems, so the commission named on your election material is the final operational source.
The useful question is not only “what is the rule?” but also “who administers it, which document controls it, and when might it change?” That distinction prevents an accurate general explanation from becoming wrong advice in a particular election, chamber or policy setting.
Evidence review
What is happening
The VEC is conducting a by-election for Briars Ward of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council in October 2026 after Councillor Anthony Marsh resigned. Marsh was elected as the member for the state electorate of Nepean at the by-election held on 2 May 2026.
Candidate nominations opened on Monday 17 August 2026 and close at 12 noon on Tuesday 25 August 2026. Late nominations will not be accepted.
Election Manager Robyn Farmer encouraged people who want to represent their local community to nominate, noting that nominations must be lodged in person during the nomination period.
Evidence review
How to nominate
Prospective candidates must make an appointment to submit their nomination form and pay the $250 fee in person during business hours. Appointments can be made by calling 03 9678 1090 from Monday 17 August.
Candidates must have completed the Victorian Government's free local government candidate training within two years of Saturday 3 October 2026, complete a nomination form, and submit it in person at the election office.
The Candidate Helper online tool at candidatehelper.vec.vic.gov.au can be used to prepare nomination forms, candidate statements and candidate questionnaires. Candidate statements of up to 200 words, questionnaire answers and photos must be submitted before 12 noon on Tuesday 25 August.
The election office at 1/16 Dutton Street, Rosebud is open on weekdays from Monday 17 August to Friday 2 October 2026. Candidate kits are available by calling the election manager on 03 9678 1091.
Evidence review
Enrolment and eligibility to vote
The deadline to enrol for the by-election was 4 pm on Wednesday 22 July 2026. State-enrolled voters in Briars Ward are required to vote in the by-election.
Council-enrolled voters in Briars Ward must also vote. People who think they may be council-enrolled voters can contact Mornington Peninsula Shire Council on 03 5950 1080 to check.
Voters who have moved in or out of Briars Ward or changed their name since last voting should update their enrolment details with the VEC.
Evidence review
How voting will work
Voting in the by-election is by post. The VEC will mail ballot packs to all enrolled voters from Monday 14 September 2026.
Each ballot pack will contain a ballot paper, candidate statements, a ballot paper envelope, a reply-paid envelope, and a multi-language leaflet with translated voting instructions.
Voting closes on Friday 2 October 2026. Voters who lose or damage their ballot pack can call the VEC on 131 832 for a replacement.
Evidence review
What voters should do now
The VEC encourages anyone who has recently turned 18, become an Australian citizen, or lived in Briars Ward for longer than a month to make sure they are enrolled.
Voters can check and update their enrolment through the VEC website or by calling the VEC.
The full by-election details, including the results once voting closes, are published on the VEC website.
Evidence review
More information
The VEC can be contacted on 131 832 for general enrolment and voting enquiries.
Candidates can prepare nomination forms, candidate statements and questionnaires using the Candidate Helper at candidatehelper.vec.vic.gov.au, and can obtain candidate kits by calling the election manager on 03 9678 1091.
The by-election page on the VEC website carries the current timetable, the election office location and contact details, and will carry the results once voting closes.
Voters with questions about council enrolment can contact Mornington Peninsula Shire Council on 03 5950 1080, and voters who need a replacement ballot pack can call the VEC on 131 832.
Common questions
Before you rely on the answer
When do candidate nominations close for the Briars Ward by-election?
Nominations close at 12 noon on Tuesday 25 August 2026. Nominations must be lodged in person at the election office by appointment, with the $250 fee.
Why is the by-election being held?
The VEC is holding the by-election for Briars Ward of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council after Councillor Anthony Marsh resigned following his election as the member for Nepean in the state by-election of 2 May 2026.
How will voting in the by-election work?
Voting will be conducted entirely by post. Ballot packs will be mailed to all enrolled voters from Monday 14 September 2026, and voting closes on Friday 2 October 2026.
Where is the election office?
The election office is at 1/16 Dutton Street, Rosebud, open on weekdays from Monday 17 August to Friday 2 October 2026. Candidate kits are available by calling the election manager on 03 9678 1091.
What happens after nominations close?
Nominations close at 12 noon on Tuesday 25 August 2026 and late nominations will not be accepted. After that, the VEC will mail ballot packs to all enrolled voters from Monday 14 September 2026, with voting closing on Friday 2 October 2026 and results published on the VEC website.
Who manages the by-election?
Election Manager Robyn Farmer is managing the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council Briars Ward by-election. Candidate kits are available by calling the election manager on 03 9678 1091.
Source spine
Primary material used for this guide
- Victorian Electoral Commission — Media release: Call for candidates for the Mornington Peninsula Shire by-election (17 August 2026) — checked 2026-08-18
- Victorian Electoral Commission — Mornington Peninsula Shire Council Briars Ward by-election — checked 2026-08-18
Review trigger: Review when the candidate list is published after nominations close on 25 August 2026, when the VEC publishes by-election results after voting closes on 2 October 2026, or when the VEC publishes a further update.
Archive note: This article records the Victorian Electoral Commission's call for candidates of 17 August 2026 for the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council Briars Ward by-election and the VEC by-election page, checked on 18 August 2026. Dates and requirements are as published by the VEC and may be updated by the VEC; readers should check the VEC website for current information.
Primary links are provided without affiliate or tracking parameters. Confirm that the source still applies to the bill, sitting date, jurisdiction or reporting period before relying on it.